Still no reason for flu panic

July 03, 2009

With cases numbering more than 59,000 across 110 countries, Margaret Chan of the World Health Organization has declared a swine flu pandemic. “The virus is now unstoppable,” Dr. Chan said from Geneva, where she is the WHO's director general. Chilling words, but no cause for panic. Dr. Chan described the danger posed by swine flu as “moderate.” So far, there have been 263 deaths worldwide, including 87 in the United States. The Obama administration has taken the proper approach from the outset. It has urged Americans to take precautions (stay home if you're sick, cover your sneezes, wash your hands) while preparing for the possibility that this new form of swine flu could mutate into something more virulent. Antiviral medication has been moved from federal stockpiles to the states. Vaccine development has begun. There are discussions with state and local authorities to plan for an immunization campaign should the need arise. Pandemics are serious, and all eyes are on the Southern Hemisphere, where it's winter and flu season is just beginning. Health authorities should remain vigilant. But the pandemic declaration is no reason to raid the drugstore for Tamiflu. - The Washington Post